Home / Sports / Alcantara's WBC Dream Dashed: Marlins Ace Heads Home
Alcantara's WBC Dream Dashed: Marlins Ace Heads Home
16 Mar
Summary
- Sandy Alcantara's World Baseball Classic bid ended in the semifinals.
- The Dominican Republic team lost 2-1 to Team USA.
- Alcantara will now prepare for his Opening Day start for the Marlins.
Sandy Alcantara's aspirations for a World Baseball Classic championship ended prematurely in the semifinals. The Dominican Republic, a team heralded for its potent offense, was defeated 2-1 by Team USA, preventing Alcantara from making a scheduled second start. Manager Albert Pujols had indicated Alcantara would pitch in the championship game had they advanced.
Alcantara expressed a strong desire to pitch in any role throughout the tournament and was particularly motivated by how the WBC could shape his 2026 season. His sole start against Venezuela saw him allow three earned runs in three innings, though the Dominican Republic secured a win in that game. This marks his second consecutive WBC without a significant standout performance on the mound.
The timing of Alcantara's return to Jupiter, Florida, is beneficial for the Miami Marlins. He is slated to start on Opening Day on March 27 against the Colorado Rockies. With key rotation members traded, Alcantara's role as the ace is crucial from the outset of the 2026 MLB season.
